2026 WNBA Draft Results: Azzi Fudd Selected No. 1 by Dallas Wings, UCLA Sets Record with Five First‑Round Picks
The 2026 WNBA Draft concluded on April 13 with a historic influx of talent, setting new records for collegiate representation and expansion team building.
Former UConn star Azzi Fudd was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, reuniting her with last year’s first‑overall pick Paige Bueckers.
Fudd’s arrival creates a backcourt trio alongside veteran Arike Ogunbowale, a combination the Wings hope will return them to the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
The Minnesota Lynx chose TCU guard Olivia Miles with the No. 2 pick, adding depth to a roster that already features a strong frontcourt core.
UCLA set a draft record by having five players taken in the first round and six overall, the most ever from a single program in a single WNBA Draft.
Lauren Betts (Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament) went to the Washington Mystics at No. 4, while Gabriela Jaquez landed with the Chicago Sky at No. 5.
Kiki Rice was selected by the expansion Toronto Tempo at No. 6, completing a three‑pick run for the Bruins in the top six.
The Mystics continued their haul by picking Angela Dugalić (No. 9) and later added Cotie McMahon, Cassandre Prosper, Darianna Littlepage‑Boggs, and Rori Harmon across the three rounds.
Golden State Valkyries took LSU star Flau'jae Johnson at No. 8 but immediately traded her to the Seattle Storm for No. 16 pick Marta Suárez and a future second‑rounder.
Indiana Fever selected Raven Johnson at No. 10, reuniting her with former South Carolina teammate Aliyah Boston and providing a familiar backcourt partner for Caitlin Clark.
Toronto Tempo completed its inaugural draft class with Teonni Key (22nd), Saffron Shiels (26th), and Charlise Dunn (36th), emphasizing versatility and competitive drive.
Portland Fire, another new franchise, drafted Iyana Martín Carrión (7th), Frieda Bühner (14th), and Taylor Bigby (31st), later trading Bigby and a 2027 third‑round pick to Connecticut for Serah Williams.
Seattle Storm acquired Flau'jae Johnson, adding a dynamic scorer to a roster that already features several former college rivals.
In the third round, notable selections included Zee Spearman (Wings), Tonie Morgan (Sky), and Grace VanSlooten (Storm), rounding out the 36‑player draft class.
BetMGM odds list the New York Liberty as favorites to win the 2026 WNBA title at +225, followed by the Las Vegas Aces (+350) and Indiana Fever (+375).
The regular season is set to begin on May 8, with the Connecticut Sun opening against the New York Liberty and the Toronto Tempo hosting the Washington Mystics.
Los Angeles Sparks will face the Phoenix Mercury on May 9, while the defending champion Las Vegas Aces take on the Mercury in a marquee matchup.
Preseason games start on April 25, giving teams a brief window to integrate rookies and test new lineups before the official season launch.
Azzi Fudd’s collegiate résumé includes a national championship with UConn and a reputation as a lethal scorer and defender, qualities the Wings expect to translate immediately.
Olivia Miles entered the draft after a standout senior season at TCU, averaging 17.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, showcasing her readiness for a professional role.
Raven Johnson’s development at South Carolina, highlighted by a 39.8 % three‑point shooting clip in her final season, positions her as a versatile wing for Indiana.
Flau'jae Johnson, despite being traded, remains a top prospect known for her athleticism and scoring ability, attributes that should bolster Seattle’s offensive options.
The expansion Toronto Tempo’s draft strategy focused on players who fit a fast‑paced, perimeter‑oriented system, as articulated by GM Monica Wright Rogers.
The Portland Fire’s early trade for Serah Williams reflects a desire to add a seasoned guard with previous WNBA experience to guide its inaugural roster.
UCLA’s unprecedented draft presence underscores the program’s depth and the impact of its recent national championship run.
Washington Mystics, with six selections, aim to rebuild through youth while maintaining a competitive core that reached the playoffs last season.
Golden State Valkyries’ general manager Ohemaa Nyanin declined detailed comment on the Johnson trade, citing exhaustion and a need for thoughtful communication.
Raven Johnson expressed excitement about joining a championship‑aspiring Fever, emphasizing the veteran presence and winning mentality of the squad.
| Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azzi Fudd | Dallas Wings |
| 2 | Olivia Miles | Minnesota Lynx |
| 4 | Lauren Betts | Washington Mystics |
| 5 | Gabriela Jaquez | Chicago Sky |
| 6 | Kiki Rice | Toronto Tempo |
| 8 | Flau'jae Johnson | Seattle Storm (via trade) |
| 10 | Raven Johnson | Indiana Fever |
The trade of Flau'jae Johnson for Marta Suárez and a future second‑round pick illustrates the Valkyries’ willingness to leverage draft capital for long‑term roster flexibility.
Seattle’s acquisition of Johnson adds a player familiar with high‑pressure tournament environments, potentially accelerating the Storm’s playoff push.
New franchise Toronto Tempo’s selections reflect a blend of size (Kiki Rice) and shooting (Teonni Key), aiming to establish a balanced attack from day one.
Portland Fire’s exchange of Taylor Bigby for Serah Williams provides the team with a guard experienced in the league’s defensive schemes.
Las Vegas Aces, entering the season as defending champions, will look to retain their core while integrating rookie talent from the draft.
Indiana Fever’s backcourt now features both Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson, a combination that could create one of the league’s most potent scoring duos.
Dallas Wings’ front office highlighted continuity as a factor in selecting Fudd, aiming to build on the chemistry established with Bueckers.
The draft’s historical significance is further emphasized by the record‑setting number of UCLA draftees, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence.
Washington Mystics’ extensive draft activity, including picks at 4, 9, and multiple later rounds, signals an aggressive rebuild strategy.
League officials noted that the 2026 draft marks the first year with three active expansion franchises—Toronto Tempo, Portland Fire, and the newly added Seattle Storm roster moves—highlighting the WNBA’s growth trajectory.
Preseason schedules will allow teams to evaluate the immediate impact of rookies such as Fudd, Miles, and Johnson against established veterans.
Analysts anticipate that the integration of high‑school standouts like Kiki Rice will add a fresh dynamic to the Tempo’s offensive schemes.
Overall, the 2026 WNBA Draft not only reshaped team rosters but also set the stage for a season where new talent and strategic trades could redefine the league’s competitive balance.
